Chriistmas message from Pparkinson's Movement

[JonStamford]

Whether we know it or not, a cure for Parkinson's is closer day by day.

This year alone has seen a huge expansion of our understanding of the role of alpha synuclein in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's. Treatments that can modify the actions and interactions of this molecule are highly promising targets for the development of new drugs. GDNF is back in the headlines as well, with trials in the USA and UK under way. A year from now we will have a clear picture of whether this treatment is of symptomatic benefit or disease modifying value. Or neither - we should always be wary of judging trials before the results are publicly available.

Of course in every war there are casualties, and cogane was perhaps the biggest of these. Although the results continue to be scrutinised, there is no doubt that the failure of the trial was a major disappointment to the Parkinson's community.

And two steps forward for every one step back is both a hallmark of Parkinson's research and, if we are honest, a price we would pay.

2014 is a year to look forward to. We may not have opened the door yet but we can see the door and we have a good idea what the key looks like.

So see 2014 as a year of real and tangible developments. A year in which we can make real progress and a year in which we can begin to whisper the word. I truly believe that we are the generation which will see the end of Parkinson's.

So Merry Christmas to everyone with Parkinson's, to the people who care for them and to the people for whom they care. And when it comes to the fight against Parkinson's, bring it on!

[Jash]

Thank you for all that you do and for your words of encouragement.

[Prayingforacure]

Praying this to be. Merry Christmas to you and Everyone. thank you your message.

[Brooke]

What a great day it will be for all the brave people who are suffering, when they find a cure.God Bless all the ones working for cure. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and miracles can happen.

[marmaduke123]

and so say all of us Jon....may we all take something from this christmas season . through this disease we have connected with so many good people around the world whom we never would have known but for parkinsons disease. people who have never met you but yet believe in you and are there at the click of a switch reaching out helping in whatever way they can... human nature at its best...perhaps we are given these trials in order to experience and appreciate such extraordinary outpourings of love and kindness in the world. Which brings a clearer meaning to 'happy are those who do not see yet believe in me''. Have faith, go forward into 2014 with strong minds, peaceful hearts and warm thoughts knowing you are loved....happy christmas

[Brooke]

Than ks Marmaduke 123 for what you wrote. I agree. I have had a chance to witness and inspire a lot of people through having PD. The Bible says "all things work for the good for those who love the lord". Enjoy this Christmas season.

[margie]

Thank you for the wonderful gift of encouragement. May God be with you during the Holidays and Keep you and everyone safe, healthy and well. Merry Christmas to you and all of the people with Parkinson's and their care givers.

Margie

[Joanne_Joyce]

Thank you for giving us all the gift of hope this Christmas. May God bless you for the role you are playing in all of our lives. Merry Christmas to you and every one of our treasured friends on this site. .

[sjannie]

also a merry christmas for you and i share your hope for a solution for the disease as son as posible!

[Barney1]

Thank you for given me hope for the future merry Christmas to everyone

[plainbob]

Thank you for your thoughtful and still positive contribution, PWP need all the encouragement they can get. I pray for blessings in abundance for all the workers in this field.

[JohnPepper]

Merry Christmas everybody. Don't give up on yourself, you are much more capable than you might think!

John and family

[Loika]

"Merry Christmas" & Blessings to all in the "New Year" !

[Espo]

Greetings Jon,

I just stumbled across this post and noticed that it was written at the end of 2013, regarding 2014:

"2014 is a year to look forward to. We may not have opened the door yet but we can see the door and we have a good idea what the key looks like. ... So see 2014 as a year of real and tangible developments. A year in which we can make real progress and a year in which we can begin to whisper the word. I truly believe that we are the generation which will see the end of Parkinson's."

So, now that it is 2015, can you look back to 2014 and name the " real and tangible developments," and the "real progress" that has been made?

Cordially, ...